Both the quality and security of our ground and surface water are at risk.
Contamination risks
Bowdens’ groundwater assessment considers groundwater availability around the site, but no peer review has been conducted on groundwater contamination risks from dangerous chemicals like cyanide and heavy metals like lead.
There is significant risk of tailings dam leachate bypassing the seepage collection ponds and entering the groundwater system.
The hazardous nature of substances in the waste rock dump and tailings dam merit a local and detailed model of hydrogeological processes to adequately manage the proposed activity.
Water security risks
The mine would use roughly 5 megalitres of water (two Olympic sized swimming pools) every day.
Earlier plans indicated Bowdens intended to pipe this water from the Ulan coalfields, as there was insufficient water at Lue to meet requirements.
Now, they are proposing to get all the water needed from Lue, either through building dams, using water caught and drawn into the open cut pit, taking water from the Lawson Creek or using water from the tailings dam.
Bowdens’ activities will result in a loss of flow from 10.9% of the Lawson Creek. This will have a significant impact on all downstream land and water users.
The data relied on by Bowdens to conclude there will be no significant impact on other water users in the area is inaccurate. It is based on an inflated monthly rainfall average and an understatement of the frequency of dry years.